Search Underway for Missing Family in Arizona After Grand Canyon Trip

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Authorities are searching for three family members who went missing last week after visiting the Grand Canyon. Jiyeon Lee, 23, Taehee Kim, 69, and Junghee Kim, 64, were last seen driving a rental vehicle from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas on March 13.

The family was traveling in a white 2024 BMW with California license plate number 9KHN768. According to GPS data, the vehicle was last tracked traveling westbound on Interstate 40 at approximately 3:30 p.m. that day.

On March 13, severe winter weather caused a significant multi-vehicle accident on the westbound lanes of Interstate 40. The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that the crash involved 22 vehicles, with 36 individuals affected. Tragically, two people died, and 16 others sustained injuries from the accident.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case and is aware of the crash but does not currently know if the Kim family’s vehicle was caught up in the incident. They have urged anyone who may have seen the family or has information on their whereabouts to contact officials.

“We are trying to piece together the timeline of their trip,” said a spokesperson from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. “Any information from the public could be crucial in helping us find them.”

As the search continues, investigators are seeking video footage from gas stations or rest areas along the route between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas that could provide more information on the family’s journey.

“It’s a scary situation when a family goes missing,” said a local resident familiar with the area. “I hope they are found safe.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523.